Southington Schools Start Telephone Tip Line

January 06, 2012

SOUTHINGTON — — The school district is starting a telephone tip line for people to report problems in the schools and it goes into operation on Monday.

The tip line has been in the works since September and is one of a couple of things the district is doing that officials hope will improve safety in schools. Others include a new anti-bullying policy that the state has mandated and putting video cameras on the school buses.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Erardi said the district already has drop boxes in school offices where people can leave complaints. But he said a telephone tip line may be more effective because it provides anonymity. Students that the administration consulted said a big worry for those who think of filing a complaint is retribution. Erardi said the telephone line should make it impossible for people to know who files a complaint.

"Even if you are dropping a slip of paper in a box the worry is that someone will see you," Erardi said.

Complaints of any sort, from criminal behavior to dangerous conditions, can be made on the line and it will be checked regularly by staff in the district's central administrative office.

People who want to report something on the tip line should call 860-637-2006.